I have never met an ice cream, or ice cream dessert, that I didn’t like. One of my all-time favorites is the milkshake. Sadly, milkshakes can be a bit too heavy. But, by mixing the bubbly feel of icy soda water with the silky richness of really good ice cream it becomes altogether light, interesting and, oh so, satisfying.

by Tina Martini | The Medicine Chef  

Everyone does chocolate, so, to spice things up, I incorporated the summer fun of the grill, along with another classic flavor, caramel. This is an old favorite that’s sure to become new again, especially with our grilled pineapple adding it’s own special twist!

Ingredients

• 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and sliced into 1/2″ thick slices
• 3/4 c dark brown sugar of your choice, coconut, palm sugar, etc.
• 3 tbls coconut oil, plus extra to oil the grill
• 1 quart vanilla, salted caramel, or coconut ice cream, tempered
• 2 c pineapple juice
• 1 six pack club soda

Directions

1. Over low heat, melt coconut oil in a small saucepan and add brown sugar. Gently cook oil and sugar until sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside, and keep warm.
2. Heat your grill to medium-high. Wipe grate with coconut oil.
3. Grill pineapple slices 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Cool enough to handle them and chop into bite-sized pieces.
5. Toss chopped pineapple with brown sugar caramel.
6. Now you’re ready to build your sodas, milkshakes, and/or sundaes.
7. For a Soda, place two scoops of ice cream into a tall, wide-mouthed glass.
8. Pour 1/4 cup pineapple juice over ice cream.
9. Top with 6 ounces of club soda, and a generous scoop of the grilled pineapple in caramel.

Tasty Tips – Tempering ice cream properly brings the ice cream to it’s fullest flavor and creamiest texture. Just place your ice cream, sorbet, or gelato in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving. For extra flair, chill your glasses and spoons. Smoked pineapple is delicious, too! Use your wood chips or smoker to impart a subtle hint of woodsmoke on all kinds of fruit. (Smoked plums with pork roast are out of this world!)

Phyto Facts – Pineapple is a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber like pectin. Pectin is a phytonutrient that lowers blood pressure, and regulates blood sugar. Pineapple has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of cancers of the mouth and lungs. This tropical treat is also very high in minerals like manganese; which is a co-factor to superoxide dismutase. This is a very powerful free-radical scavenger that reduces enviromental cell damage. Speaking of minerals! That’s what your sugar should be, full of minerals. The dark brown coconut sugar I use looks like dirt. There are several types of sweeteners on the market that retain the minerals even after baking. Please read your labels. I know I have said it before, every disease known to man can be traced back to a mineral dificiency. Foods that are over-processed are devoid of these valuable micronutrients. Ice cream can be made of all types of milk, now. From rice, to coconut milk and back to heavy cream. The good news is, if it’s real, it’s got some medicine in it. You choose what’s right for you and your family. 

by Chef Tina Martini, “The Medicine Chef” @MedicineChef | Facebook Chef Martini is an experienced, well-versed television personality with a successful and proven track record. She holds a doctorate from Bastyr University in Naturopathy and a Nutrition degree from San Diego State University. She mixes cooking with nutrition, fitness and wellness!

photo credits: Tina Martini and BenjaminThompson via photopin cc